Subject:Purchase Request 43021 to Technology for
Energy Corporation for the purchase of a Power Master 7302 to test and analyze
CT and PT meters in the amount of $29,395.00.

Staff
Recommendation:

Staff
recommends approval of purchase request 43021 to Technology for Energy
Corporation in the amount of $29,395.00 for the purchase of a Power Master 7302
for testing and analyzing CT and PT meters to verify accurate usage on
commercial accounts.

Analysis:

The
Electric Department is requesting this single source item because there is no
other machine that will perform the same functions as the Power Master 7302.
The Power Master has the ability to simultaneously test all three CTs and PTs
in the metering circuit. The user can quickly view the power pairs (secondary
and primary) for diagnostics. Each test displays the graphs of the burden, ratio
and parallelogram for all phases on one page. If any errors are found during
testing, the user can quickly determine the problem with a supplied list of
diagnostic features. If the CT circuit has little or no load, the CT may be
added with load to perform a test in the field. If results are found to be out
of tolerance, the user has the option to demagnetize the CT without moving any
connections or exiting out of the testing setup. No separate boxes or devices
are needed.

The
Power Master can be easily accessed for important functions at any time. With
a touch of a button, the user may view a vector diagram, power meter, waveforms
and harmonics or view a full analysis which displays all four functions in one
screen for an overview of the entire circuit. The status key allows the user
to view the condition of the test setup and the internal workings of the Power
Master. These keys may be alternatively accessed using a PC/laptop or USB
keyboard via function keys. There is no other unit that will do this
task.

The
Power Master is housed in a compact case, which is waterproof, weather tight
and rugged. This is the same type of case used by EMS and fire departments
providing durability and protection for their rescue equipment. The Power Master
has a large front panel which allows the user to keep safety gloves on at all
times. The large buttons are on a tactile key panel creating a splash proof
membrane. A keyboard or mouse can be alternatively used instead of the key
panel, which allows the user the freedom of operating the machine identical to
a PC. Compared to other machines with small black and white displays, the 8.4
inch full color transflective VGA display screen allows the user to view the
data and operate in full sunlight.

The
Power Master has a built-in database that can hold all information pertaining
to the site including (but not limited to) the meter, CT, PT, AMR, account
number, address, substation, GPS locator, billing multiplier and information on
when the site will need to be retested. The user can easily select a
pre-loaded component (meter, CT, PT, etc.) from the large database or create a
new component to be associated with each metering site. Using the Meter Site
Manager PC software, this information along with data results can be
synchronized to the master database or formatted into a file for exporting into
the utility’s master database. The advantage of having a built-in database
inside the Power Master is the ability to create a daily route of tests for the
user that can be setup in the shop or synched from Meter Site Manager before
going into the field.